ISLE OF MAN HALF MARATHON Sunday 13^th August 2006

I went for a gentle jog on Douglas promenade to loosen up for the next day. I’d just passed the Electric Saturday, August 12^th Railway sign on my way back, when I spotted Bill and Dawn Lock sitting on a bench, enjoying the peace and quiet. I had a brief chat, wished Dawn good luck for the race, and headed back to the hotel. Before I got there, I ran into Alan Taylor, Barry Norman, Paul Carter and Elaine, all on their way to the Castle Mona Hotel. Amazing! Hundreds, possibly thousands of training miles in Preston and St. Annes and hardly ever came across a runner. Five in the space of half a mile on the Isle of Man!

Sally, John, Sally’s parents and I came over a few days early to combine the race with some sightseeing. I’d never been before, and was impressed with the island: the beautiful, quiet beaches at Peel and Port St. Mary, Snaefell with its mountain railway, the Laxey Wheel, Port Erin, (one of Charlie Pass’s old stamping grounds). No sign of violence or crime, no litter, no graffiti, no rush hour – the perfect place to relax for a few days.

Sunday morning 7am was even quieter than normal as I walked to the coach pick-up point, closely followed by the rest of the Wesham contingent. Barry and Alan headed straight for the back seat to stretch out; their night’s sleep had been severely cut short by the hotel disco directly below their room!

The coach didn’t take the coastal route, as I’d expected, but went directly over Snaefell. Alan told me a few stories about hair-raising speeds on the TT course from his misspent youth and about the race from last year as we descended into Ramsay. Picked up our numbers, got changed, watched Barry warm up! “Wherever there’s a race in the North, there’ll be a Wesham vest”. The registration area was like being at a local race – at every table there were Wesham 10K and Green Drive 5 entry forms. I was immediately struck by how friendly everyone was; this is obviously a significant event in the Isle of Man calendar.

Off we went at 9:30, half an hour behind the marathon runners. The first half mile was along Ramsay prom then we cut inland. 29 minutes for 4 miles, but didn’t worry too much about time as we’d climbed steadily up to that point. From then on it was mostly flat or downhill along pretty country lanes. I was back to seven minute mile pace at 7, and then pressed harder in the second half to duck under 90 minutes, my usual half marathon target. Cheered in by Sally, John, Sally’s parents and Elaine, the others were all pleased with their times. Barry led us in easily, finishing 3^rd in 1:18. Alan beat his time from last year by two minutes, and Paul had a great run, this year without a bad back, for 1:49. Dawn was also happy with her run, and said she’d enjoyed the scenery along the way.

Freezing cold showers at Mid Lancs XC have taught me to make a bee-line for post-race showers, but hot water wasn’t a problem here. Got changed and had a chat with the others, then rejoined Sally for some food in Laxey. There was also an excellent buffet laid on for those who stayed. My first Isle of Man Half, but I definitely plan to go back next year – the place and the race were both a great experience.

Written by: Andy Yelland

Submitted: 1^st September 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor